Tampa Woman Arrested by LWPD After Theft of $6000 Necklace

A 37 year old Tampa resident was arrested following quick action by Lake Wales Police officers who responded to a reported robbery. The suspect was charged with stealing a $6,000 necklace from Kay's Jewelers in the Eagle Ridge Mall Wednesday.

Officers from the LWPD were dispatched to Kay Jewelers mid-afternoon following a reported robbery. Officers were told that a woman, later identified as identified as Shaneka S. Webb, entered Kay's Jewelers and asked to see a gold necklace. She then immediately fled with the necklace.

As some police officers responded directly to Kay's Jewelers, others began searching the area after a description of the suspect and vehicle were shared on police radios, and officers quickly located the suspect and suspect vehicle in the parking lot of a Gate gas station within a half mile of the mall.

Officers then, attempted to stop the suspect while outside her vehicle, but was able to enter her car and fled across US 27 to an area near the Sunshine Flea Market where she was quickly surrounded.

Webb was taken into custody without further incident. She was later positively identified by those who witnessed the theft. Webb was no longer in possession of the stolen necklace but would not say what she did with it. Officers continued to search for the necklace after her arrest, eventually locating it near the Sunshine Flea Market where the suspect allegedly discarded it.

Webb was charged with Grand Theft, Fleeing to Elude, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (Habitual Traffic Offender). Webb reportedly has an extensive criminal history which includes previous grand thefts, violent crimes, drug charges, and fraud, according to law enforcement.

Anyone with information regarding this any crime is encouraged to contact Lake Wales Police Department Detective David Arana at (863) 678-4223 extension 2007. If you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, you can call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or from your cell phone, dial **TIPS. You can also visit the website http://www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit a Tip", or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet to provide information.